How to Turn Off Google's Gemini AI on Your Phone and Computer

Where to find Gemini and how to disable it

Gemini is Google's AI assistant that appears in Android phones, the Google app, and some web browsers. You can turn it off in your device settings rather than uninstalling it. The steps differ depending on whether you use Android, an iPhone, a computer, or the Google app on its own.

Google has integrated Gemini into multiple places — the home screen of Android phones, the search bar in Chrome, and the Google app itself. Disabling it does not remove Google Search; it only removes the AI chatbot feature. Your phone will continue to work normally, and you can still search the web.

The method you use depends on where Gemini appears on your device. Some people only see it in the Google app, while others have it on their home screen or in the search bar. You may need to disable it in more than one place to remove it completely.

Key Takeaways

On Android phones, you can disable Gemini by turning off the Google Assistant and removing the Gemini shortcut from your home screen in Settings.
In the Google app on any phone, you can switch back to Google Search by changing your default search mode in the app's settings.
On Chrome and other browsers, you can disable the Gemini search bar by unchecking the option in browser settings or using an extension to hide it.
Disabling Gemini does not affect Google Search itself — you can still search the web normally through your browser or search bar.

Disable Gemini on Android phones

On Android, Gemini usually appears as a button on your home screen or in the Google app. To remove it, open Settings, then go to Apps or Application Manager. Find Google in the list, tap it, and select Disable or Turn off. This removes the Gemini button from your home screen and disables the AI assistant in the Google app.

If you only want to remove the Gemini shortcut from your home screen without disabling the entire Google app, long-press the Gemini button on your home screen and select Remove. This keeps the Google app working for search but removes the visible AI assistant button.

Some Android phones have a dedicated Google Assistant button. To disable the Assistant entirely, go to Settings > Google > Manage your Google Account > Services and preferences > Google Assistant, then toggle it off. This prevents the Assistant from responding to voice commands and removes its shortcuts.

Turn off Gemini in the Google app

If you use the Google app on your phone (iPhone or Android), you can prevent Gemini from opening when you search. Open the Google app, tap your profile picture in the top right, and go to Settings. Select Google Assistant and toggle off Google Assistant. This disables the AI chatbot while keeping the search function active.

Alternatively, you can change your default search mode. In the Google app settings, look for Search settings or Assistant settings and select Google Search instead of Gemini as your default. This routes your searches to the traditional search results page rather than the AI chat interface.

Disable Gemini in Chrome and web browsers

Google added a Gemini search bar to Chrome's home page and search bar. To remove it, open Chrome and go to Settings > Search engine. Under Search engines and site search, find Google and click the three dots next to it. Select Edit and uncheck Use Google's AI-powered search suggestions or Gemini (the exact wording varies by Chrome version).

If the Gemini icon still appears in your search bar, you can hide it by going to Settings > Appearance and toggling off Show Gemini or AI features. Some users prefer to install a browser extension that removes AI features from Google's interface entirely, such as Ublock Origin or Stylus, which let you hide elements on web pages.

On Safari or Firefox, Gemini does not appear by default because it is a Chrome and Google app feature. If you see it on those browsers, it is likely coming from a Google search page you visited, and you can simply avoid using that page or switch your default search engine to Bing or DuckDuckGo.

Remove Gemini from your iPhone or iPad

iPhones do not have Gemini on the home screen or in system settings because Apple does not integrate Google's AI assistant into iOS. However, if you use the Google app on your iPhone, Gemini may appear when you search. To disable it, open the Google app, tap your profile picture, go to Settings, and toggle off Google Assistant.

You can also delete the Google app entirely and use Safari with Google as your search engine instead. This removes Gemini completely while keeping Google Search available. Go to your home screen, long-press the Google app, and select Remove App, then Delete App.

What happens when you disable Gemini

Disabling Gemini removes the AI chatbot feature but does not affect your ability to search the web. Google Search continues to work normally — you will still see search results, images, news, and maps. The only change is that you will no longer see the Gemini chat interface or AI-generated answers when you search.

Your Google account, Gmail, Google Drive, and other Google services remain unchanged. Disabling Gemini does not delete your data or sign you out of Google. If you change your mind later, you can re-enable Gemini by reversing the steps above — going back to Settings and turning the Assistant or Gemini feature back on.

Some Google services may still reference AI features in other places, such as Google Photos or Gmail. Disabling Gemini specifically removes only the AI assistant chatbot, not every AI feature across Google's products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does disabling Gemini affect Google Search?

No. Disabling Gemini removes only the AI chatbot interface. Google Search continues to work normally, and you will still see traditional search results, images, news, and maps. Your searches will route to the standard results page instead of the Gemini chat window.

Can I disable Gemini on just my home screen but keep it in the Google app?

Yes. Long-press the Gemini button on your home screen and select Remove. This removes the shortcut from your home screen while leaving the Google app unchanged. You can still access Gemini through the Google app if you want to use it later.

Will disabling Gemini delete my search history?

No. Your search history remains in your Google account whether Gemini is on or off. Disabling Gemini only removes the AI assistant feature — it does not clear your data or change your account settings.

What if Gemini keeps reappearing after I disable it?

Google sometimes re-enables Gemini during system updates or app updates. If it reappears, repeat the steps for your device: disable it in Settings on Android, toggle it off in the Google app, or uncheck it in Chrome settings. You may need to do this again after major updates.

Can I use Google Search without the Google app?

Yes. You can search Google through any web browser by going to google.com or by setting Google as your default search engine in your browser settings. This avoids the Google app and Gemini entirely while keeping full access to Google Search.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.